Families and fans can now watch Sanford home athletic contests through Hudl's streaming platform. This service allows you to stream games live or catch up on contests you missed. To watch Sanford games, visit https://fan.hudl.com/usa/me/sanford/organization/12561/sanford-high-school on your phone, tablet, or computer. You'll need to sign up for a free Hudl account to access the streams. You can bookmark this link for easy access to all upcoming streams. The Hudl platform provides a convenient way to support our student-athletes from anywhere, whether you're traveling, at work, or simply can't make it to the game in person. Games are typically available for viewing shortly after they conclude as well.
The Sanford School Department recently hosted its annual District-Wide Welcome Back Event at the Sanford Performing Arts Center, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrators from across all schools to celebrate the start of the 2025-26 academic year.  The gathering began with a performance from the Sanford High School Chamber Singers, featuring students Ava Allen, Callia Curtis, Avila Cyr, Rebecca Horton, Jordyn Martin, Cynthia Carroll, Keaghan Gagnon, Will Kane, Logan Hamblin, and Evan Lynch.   Under the direction of Sanford High School music teacher Ryan Geary, these students took time to rehearse during the summer before taking the stage. Following their musical presentation, each student introduced themselves, shared which schools they attended, and spoke about teachers who've had a lasting impact on their academic journey so far. School Committee Chair Amy Sevigny then delivered opening remarks that challenged both new and veteran staff members to be supportive colleagues. "I want you to all think about when you were that new person on the job, whatever job that was. Do you still remember the first person or the people that welcomed you and made you feel part of the team?"  She challenged staff to be supportive, collaborative, encouraging, respectful, and positive colleagues. Whatever the day brings, be the coworker that you want to have. Because a strong school community thrives when each member feels valued and supported. Sanford Superintendent Matt Nelson expressed deep gratitude for the collaborative efforts throughout the district. "I want to thank you as our faculty and staff for all that you do for our students and what you do each and every day with them," Nelson said.   A significant portion of the event welcomed new staff members joining the Sanford team across all district schools, including all elementary schools, middle and high school, SRTC and SCAE Adult Ed.  The presentation also included Superintendent Nelson introducing the district's updated mission to "prepare all students with future-ready skills and knowledge to empower success in a rapidly changing world" for the first time to staff after it was recently approved by the School Committee.    This mission is supported by Core Principles and Beliefs on Learning that focus on creating safe learning environments, developing future-ready skills, ensuring equitable access, adapting learning systems, and strengthening community collaboration.  These principles work together to support the district's Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate vision, preparing students to be critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers, emotionally intelligent collaborators, adaptable and resilient individuals, engaged citizens, and lifelong learners.
Sanford School Department Welcomes New Teachers for 2025-2026 School Year
Click here for the latest Sanford Spotlight Newsletter. This issue provides essential back-to-school information for the 2025-2026 academic year. You'll find first day schedules by grade level, open house and orientation dates for all schools, and important upcoming events including the Stuff the Bus supply distribution. The newsletter also introduces new leadership team members, highlights transportation updates with bus route information, and showcases digital resources including the Sanford School Department app and new athletics app.
The 2025-2026 bus routes for the Sanford School Department are now available on Versatrans.  On Tuesday, August 19th, emails were sent to parents/guardians with transportation information and Student ID numbers.   If you did not receive an email, please contact your child's school to verify your email address and obtain your child's Student ID number.    Please note, due to a bus driver shortage, some bus routes have been combined to begin the school year. This change will result in longer ride times for some students.  We appreciate your patience as we continue to search for additional drivers.   If you are interested in becoming a driver or monitor, contact Ledgemere, our transportation provider.     If you have any questions, please call your child’s school directly or Ledgemere  at 207-324-4888.
Leesa Joiner Named Sanford School Department's New IT Director
A Message from Stuff the Bus To families of students attending Sanford schools for the 2025-2026 school year: On Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, Stuff the Bus Maine will hold its annual school supplies distribution event at Curtis Lake Church on Westview Drive in Sanford. No pre-registration is required.   Please arrive at (not before) your designated time slot based on your child's last name: T through Z: 9:00 AM N through S: 10:00 AM H through M: 11:00 AM A through G: 11:30 AM If you have children with different last names, use the last name of your youngest school-aged child to determine your arrival time for all children. *If you arrive without your children, please come at 11:00 AM (no exceptions). A volunteer will fill a bag for your child/children. Please prepare a separate 3x5 index card for each child before you arrive. On each card, print: Your first and last name (top of card) Your child's first and last name The grade your child will be entering in fall 2025 Having these cards ready will help the line move efficiently and reduce wait times. The event continues while supplies last as we work hard to ensure every child is served. Stuff the Bus is proud to help get kids excited and prepared for the new school year ahead. Sincerely, Wanda Parent  Director, Stuff the Bus Maine
SANFORD, Maine – The Sanford School Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar as the new Assistant Principals of Sanford Middle School. Both administrators assumed their new roles on August 1. Pendleton brings years of educational leadership experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle High School for one year. Previously, Pendleton was Dean of Students at Bonny Eagle Middle School in MSAD 6 for five years, where she developed experience in special education and multi-tiered student support systems. She is trained in threat assessment and safety protocols, with extensive experience working in challenging situations at both the elementary and high school levels. "It is a privilege to join a district with academic excellence, dedicated staff, and a supportive community," Pendleton said. Edgar joins Sanford Middle School with four years of experience as Assistant Principal at Saco Middle School, where he worked in a comprehensive student support program designed to help all students succeed. Prior to his administrative role, Edgar served as a 6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Saco Middle School for 20 years and union representative. "I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the students of Sanford Middle School and I am looking forward to the upcoming school year," Edgar said. "Lindsay brings a strong middle level background in special education and has demonstrated her ability to meet students where they are. She understands the importance of keeping students connected and involving all stakeholders when working with students," Sanford Middle School Principal Joe Mastraccio said. "Michael stressed the importance of wanting students to feel heard and demonstrated a deep understanding of working within a community as a steady presence that others can rely on." Pendleton and Edgar replace Mastraccio, who was hired as the school's principal in June replacing Pam Crosby, and Michael Bailey, who recently left to become the Assistant Director of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. The Sanford School Department congratulates Lindsay Pendleton and Michael Edgar on their appointments and looks forward to their leadership at Sanford Middle School.
Sanford High School has launched a new mobile app designed to keep the Spartan community connected to all things athletics and school activities. The official Sanford Spartans app is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The new app, powered by Snap! Mobile technology serves as a comprehensive hub for Spartans fans, students, families, and community members. Key features include: Real-time game information and schedules - Never miss an important matchup with up-to-date scheduling Team updates and news - Follow your favorite Spartans teams throughout their seasons Push notifications - Sign up for alerts about games, events, and important announcements Ticket purchasing capabilities - Convenient mobile ticketing for home games and events Athletics website integration - Direct access to the school's athletics information Hall of Honor section - Celebrating Spartans athletic achievements and history The Sanford Spartans app is available as a free download from both major app stores. The school has also provided QR code access for quick downloading and setup.
The start of the Fall sports season is fast approaching.  The Fall season will start August 18th.   Have you registered online?  https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/hs-fall-athletic-registration-2025 Items required to participate are a current sports physical and medical insurance.   If you need a physical:  Getting your student's physical scheduled is simple - just visit https://convenientmd.com/urgent-care/youth-physicals/ to book online, or give them a call at 207-850-5744. At just $25 per physical, it's an affordable way to keep your student ready for activities, and the best part is that each physical is good for two full years.  We understand that even a $25 cost can sometimes be challenging for families. If the expense would create a financial hardship, don't let that stop you!  Reach out to Becky Cleveland at 207-206-8782 or email her at bcleveland@sanford.org with respect to any questions about physical or medical insurance assistance.
https://sanford-spotlight-newsle-bdv3f8m.gamma.site
Sanford Middle School Teacher to Research Pollinators in Costa Rican Cloud Forest
Matthew Melvin
Sanford Regional Technical Center recently wrapped up its 5th annual Middle School Summer Camp, welcoming over 70 students in grades 6-8 from nine partner schools for a week of hands-on career exploration. Campers rotated through six exciting program areas, learning directly from SRTC instructors in Precision Manufacturing, Video Production, Firefighting, Law Enforcement, Cosmetology, and Carpentry. Students gained valuable experience with equipment safety, built projects to take home, practiced with fire hoses, created short films, perfected nail art and hairstyling techniques, and tested their skills on a police cruiser driving simulator. The summer heat didn't slow down the fun, with special visits from Kona Ice of York County and a refreshing run through the fire truck sprinkler system. Current and former SRTC students volunteered throughout the week, serving as mentors and helping instructors connect with the younger campers. The week's success was evident in the campers' enthusiasm and the friendships they formed. When asked to share positive qualities about their new peers, students consistently described each other as "kind, fun, helpful, and cool," while expressing amazement at what they learned in SRTC's state-of-the-art facility.
Carl J Lamb Elementary Students Make Their Mark at State Music Festival
New Fishing Club Reels in Success at Sanford Middle School
The Sanford School Department has finalized its calendar for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, giving families important dates to mark on their planners. Click here to access the calendar. Key Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year: First Days of School: September 2 - First student day for grades 1-9 and SRTC; September 3 - First day for Kindergarten and grades 10-12; September 4 - First day of Pre-Kindergarten Thanksgiving Break: November 26-28 Winter Break: December 24 - January 2 (Christmas, New Year's and Break) President's Day Break: February 16-20 Spring Break: April 20-24 (Patriot's Day and Spring Break) Memorial Day: May 25 (No School) Sanford High School Graduation: June 3 Last Day of School: June 9 (if no snow days are needed) Sanford Community Adult Education Graduation: June 10 Storm Days: June 10-16 (5 storm days built into the calendar as needed)
The Sanford School Department has adjusted office hours for the summer months to better serve our community. Current Summer Schedule (June 16 - August 3):  Monday through Thursday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Fridays: CLOSED  Please note the office will also be closed on Thursday, June 19th and Thursday, July 3rd in observance of holidays. Updated Hours Beginning August 4:  Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM  Regular School Year Hours Resume August 25:  Monday through Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
YMCA Celebrates First-Ever Pre-K Graduation in Partnership with Sanford School Department